Last updated: August 23, 2021
Thing to Do
Fort McHenry Movie

NPS/Tim Ervin
Fort McHenry offers an introductory film about the Battle of Baltimore which took place on September 13-14, 1814 and inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The film is located in the park's visitor center and is about 12 minutes long running every 30 minutes. The movie is free to watch. The last showing of the park film is at 5:00 PM. Visitors who miss the film or wish to watch it from home can find it on Fort McHenry's website.
Visitors should be aware of several things while the movie is running:
- Lighting: While the film is running, the rest of of the museum exhibits will shut off or their lights will dim, making it very dark in the museum space.
- Flashing Lights: The park film does feature flashing lights as part of special effects. The flashes are at a low rate and spaced far apart, however may cause some discomfort to those sensitive to flashing lights.
- Loud Noises: The film features surround sound and large booming noises that replicate cannon fire. Visitors should be aware of the noises if anyone in their group is sensitive to loud noises.
- Seating: Seating in the film area is very limited and used on a first-come first-serve basis. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THE SEATING FOR THE FILM IS CURRENTLY REMOVED TO PREVENT CROWDING AND ENCOURAGE SOCIAL DISTANCING.